Fantasy Premier League managers are scrambling to adjust their squads following a fresh wave of team news and injury updates ahead of the pivotal midweek fixtures. The most significant blow has landed at Arsenal, where a key defender faces a spell on the sidelines.
Arsenal's Defensive Crisis Deepens
William Saliba is set for a period out of action after suffering a training injury, confirmed by manager Mikel Arteta. The French centre-back missed Arsenal's recent draw against Chelsea and requires further medical assessment to determine the full extent of the problem.
With Saliba absent, Piero Hicapie and Yerson Mosquera were deployed in central defence at Stamford Bridge. This reshuffle presents a major dilemma for FPL bosses, who must now decide whether Arsenal's defence, potentially featuring a second-string pairing for the visit of Brentford on Wednesday, remains a viable asset.
Team News from Manchester to Merseyside
Elsewhere, Manchester City are hoping for positive news on midfielder Rodri. Pep Guardiola is expected to provide a fitness update ahead of City's trip to Fulham on Tuesday, with the Spaniard nearing a return. This comes after City's mixed performance against Leeds United, where they conceded a lead before snatching a late victory.
Manchester United have received an unexpected boost for their clash with West Ham. Hammers playmaker Lucas Paqueta is suspended after receiving a red card for dissent in Sunday's defeat to Liverpool, ruling him out of the trip to Old Trafford. United manager Ruben Amorim praised his team's improved display in beating Crystal Palace, highlighting Joshua Zirkzee and Diogo Dalot.
However, United, like several clubs, are braced for the impact of the Africa Cup of Nations, with potential call-ups for Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui looming.
Newcastle's Mixed Bag & Everton's Absences
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe delivered a blend of good and bad news. Summer signing Yoane Wissa has featured in a training match, signalling he is close to a long-awaited debut. However, goalkeeper Nick Pope's fitness is uncertain, and defender Sven Botman needs a specialist's opinion on an ongoing issue ahead of Tottenham's visit on Tuesday.
The Magpies head into that match buoyed by a 4-1 win over Everton, where Lewis Miley shone and Malick Thiaw scored twice.
For Everton, manager David Moyes confirmed no new major injuries after the Newcastle loss, but several players are managing minor issues. The Toffees remain without Seamus Coleman, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Merlin Rohl for Tuesday's match against Bournemouth. They will also be missing Idrissa Gueye, who serves the second game of a three-match ban.
Moyes expressed disappointment with his side's lack of physicality at Newcastle but remains encouraged by their overall progress this season.
